Chapter 8
Kelley’s eyes fluttered open. For a moment she couldn’t remember where she was, and then it came to her: she was in Hope's bed, still wearing her black cocktail dress from the night before. Hope had asked her to sleep in her room. With her. She had fallen asleep with her head nestled into the crook of Hope’s neck. Sometime during the night they had shifted positions, and now she was lying on her side, her back tucked into Hope’s front, with Hope’s arms around her. Kelley’s mind started to wander to thoughts about what she was feeling and what was happening, but she was still groggy from just waking up, so she pushed those aside, closed her eyes and smiled contently. She laid there in Hope’s arms for a few minutes and then she felt Hope stir. Kelley tilted her head back and opened her eyes. A stay piece of Hope’s hair brushed across her face and she smiled.
“Hey”, Hope whispered sleepily, her eyes fluttering halfway open.
“Good morning sleepyhead”, Kelley whispered back. She heard Hope let out a sleepy “Mmmmm”, and then ask “How’d you sleep?”
Hope was silent for a moment and then said, “Good. Really good, actually. The best I’ve slept in a while.” She looked at Kelley with heavy-lidded eyes and smiled.
Kelley smiled back, her eyes still sleepy too, and said, “Good. Me too.” She turned her head back, put her arms over Hope’s and laid there for another minute.
“It’s nice having you in my bed”, Hope purred.
Kelley tilted her head back and smiled at Hope. “Yeah”, she breathed out. “It is nice. I slept well, too.” She laid silent for a moment and then asked, “What time is it?”
Hope looked over at the clock on the night stand. “A bit after ten.”
Kelley exhaled. She wanted to stay right as they were, spooning together in bed, with Hope’s arms wrapped around her, but she needed to get her day started. They had a show tonight, and there was a radio interview in the afternoon. “I guess I should get moving”, she said, as she started to get up.
“Noooo”, Hope whined playfully and tightened her arms around Kelley. She burrowed her face into Kelley’s hair and squeezed her lightly. Kelley giggled, and Hope closed her eyes and smiled into the back of her head.
“C’mon, rock star”, Kelley said. “Your manager needs to manage you.”
Hope held Kelley tight for another moment and then said, “Ugh. Fine”, with feigned annoyance. She loosened her arms around Kelley but kept her in place. “Let’s have breakfast together at least. We can order room service.”
Kelley tilted her head back towards Hope and said, “Mmmm…breakfast does sound good, but I should get working.”
Hope looked at Kelley for a moment and then smiled. “Hey – everything can wait for a bit. You have to eat, right?” she said, and then touched Kelley’s nose lightly with her finger.
********
Something has changed, Kelley thought, as the tour made its way through Texas, New Orleans and Little Rock, and then headed north through the eastern Midwest and towards the East Coast. She and Hope continued to spend most of their time together, but something was different now. There was an undertone of something - dare Kelley say - romantic between them? She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what she was feeling or why, but sometime around or after the first night Kelley had slept in Hope’s room, something had changed. Sometimes their time together was spent doing business – radio interviews, promo appearances, and the moments before and after Hope’s performances. And sometimes they didn’t get to spend time together, separated by circumstance – Kelley would attend a business meeting while Hope would rehearse with the band or remain at the hotel. Oftentimes, however, they managed to squeeze in a few hours of alone time together, either doing one of their daytime forays for food or coffee with Hope incognito, or together in Hope’s hotel room in the afternoon. Hope had started to forgo her afternoon alone time so she and Kelley could maximize their free time together. At nights, if there was no show, they would sometimes slip out for a quick meal or ice cream, or would stay in Hope’s hotel room, order room service and watch a movie. Almost always Kelley would sleep over, in Hope’s bed. Nothing had happened – yet. But mornings would find them intertwined, either Hope on her back and Kelley nestled into her, Kelley’s head in the crook of Hope’s neck, or Hope spooning Kelley from behind, nestling Kelley in her arms.
The tour arrived in New York City. Kelley was returning from the meeting with the production manager at Madison Square Garden, where Hope was performing the next night. She was in the car on her laptop when Hope called.
“Hi manager”, Hope said flirtatiously into the phone.
Kelley smiled. “Hi rock star.”
“So, I was thinking we could get dinner tonight.”
“Okay. I mean, don’t we usually eat together?”
“Well, yes, but I want to go out.”
“Well, we can slip out for some food.”
“No, I mean like go out out. Like, have a real dinner out together, not sneak out with me incognito.”
“Uh…okay”, Kelley said. She and Hope often ate together at night, but there was something in Hope’s ask that made this feel different, and she wasn’t sure where this was going.
“I know a great Italian place here. It’s the best food in the city", Hope said, and Kelley could hear the excitement in her voice.
Kelley was silent for a minute, thinking about how this felt different, and then she said, “Okay, sounds good. I love Italian.”
“Then you’ll love this place”, Hope said, and Kelley could tell through the phone that Hope was smiling. “I’ll come get you at seven.”
“Okay. Or, just call me when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll call for a car.”
“No”, Hope said. “Not tonight. Tonight, I want to come pick you up.”
“Uh…okay”, Kelley said again. Now she was really trying to figure out what Hope was up to. “Are you sure you don’t want me to call the car?”
“No, I'll do that”, Hope said. “Just be ready at seven.”
Kelley was silent for a moment and then said, “Okay. I’ll be ready at seven.”
“Good”, Hope said. “And Kelley?”
“Yeah?”
“Wear something nice.”
“Uh…okay.”
Hope hung up, and Kelley smiled into the phone.
********
Kelley finished putting on her lipstick, then dabbed on her scent and checked herself in the mirror one last time. After trying on three different outfits she had settled on a green-themed floral pattern dress and a pair of black strap heals. She felt nervous. Was this a date? She thought. She couldn’t quite figure out what Hope was up to tonight, but she was pretty sure there was something happening between them that was more than friends. She did one last half-turn in the mirror, then grabbed her hand purse and phone. Out of habit she started to call for a car but then remembered that Hope had said she would do that, so she sat down in a chair at the small table in her room and waited.
Right at seven, there was a knock on her door. Kelley opened it, and there was Hope. She was wearing a stylish black evening top, a wide black leather belt, black dress pants, and black heels. Her hair was styled in a slight wave.
“Hi”, Hope said. She gave the Kelley the once-over, then smiled appreciatively, and Kelley’s heart skipped a beat.
“Hi”, Kelley said back. She stood there for a moment and then said, “Wow. You look…”
“I clean up okay, huh?” Hope said and laughed. “You look wonderful yourself.” She eyed Kelley again and then said, “C’mon, cutie – let’s go.” She held her arm out for Kelley to take, and the two of them walked down to the car.
********
“So, how did you find this place?” Kelley asked, as they were seated at a table near the back of the restaurant. Hope ordered them a bottle of wine.
“I came here with some of the folks from the record label the last time I was here in New York”, Hope said. “I like this place a lot. The food is wonderful, and it’s kind of off the beaten path.” The restaurant was on the upper west side, nestled among apartment buildings and a couple convenience stores. Tonight there were only a few other tables occupied.
“Yeah. It looks really nice”, Kelley said, looking around. The restaurant was dimly lit, with dark oak walls and red curtains. There were large white tablecloths, candles on the tables. “So, um…” Kelley began but then let it hang.
“Yes?”
“Well, I’m just curious…I mean, you…asked me to dress up, and, well, you look…and, well, nice restaurant, bottle of wine, and well, you like picked me up and called for the car…
“Kelley…is there something you’re trying to ask me?”
“Well, um…I guess I’ve been wondering…I mean, we’ve been hanging out a lot lately, and, well, I’ve been sleeping over a lot…I mean, it’s not like a sleepover, because it’s not like your house, but I mean, like, in your room, and then we’ve been, you know, snuggling a lot, like when we go to sleep, or watch a movie on the couch, and, well-” Kelley looked at Hope, who was looking right back at her, and she realized she was rambling. Hope laughed softly, here eyes twinkling at Kelley.
“Kelley, you’re rambling”, Hope said, a smile forming on her lips.
“No, I’m not. I mean-“
Hope laughed lightly. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”
“I'm not flustered. Well, not really. Well, maybe sorta, I guess. I mean, I’m just wondering, what, um…”
“What the deal is with this dinner?” Hope completed Kelley’s thought. “Kelley - we’ve been on the road for six weeks. Can’t I take my manager out for a nice dinner once in a while?”
“Well, sure, I mean, yeah”, Kelley said. She was a bit disappointed. She was hoping that Hope would say something to affirm that this was more than just a professional dinner between manager and client.
Hope took a sip of wine and then gazed over the candle at Kelley. “Kelley – is there something you want to ask me?” Hope repeated.
Kelley looked at Hope and then looked down. She bit her lip and then looked back up. “Hope – is this a date?”
Hope looked back at Kelley. “Do you want it to be?” she asked in her smooth voice.
“Um…I don’t know – maybe?” Kelley said. Hope’s eyes twinkled back at her and Kelley said, “Yes? I don’t know. Do you? I mean, is this a date, like was that your intention when you asked me to dinner tonight?”
“Hmmmm…I don’t know, Kelley. Let’s see: I planned ahead and asked you out for dinner. I told you to wear something nice. I called for the car, which is something I never do, and then I picked you up, even though I only had to walk to the next room over, and now we’re here”, Hope said. “Candlelight, wine, intimate table, dark wood walls.” She looked at Kelley. Kelley looked back, not saying anything, and then Hope laughed lightly. “Yes, Kelley – I wanted to take a girl that I kinda sorta like out on a date.” She looked at Kelley and smiled. “I hope that’s okay?” she asked, in a way that indicated she already knew the answer.
Kelley exhaled and smiled. Yes, this was more than okay. In fact, a part of Kelley wanted this very much. A part of her also had Abby’s warning in the back of her mind, but at this moment, being with Hope was winning out. She smirked and said, “You kinda sorta like me?”
“Yeah, I kinda sorta do”, Hope answered with a smile.
Kelley exhaled and smiled. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Hope Solo, Top 10 rock icon, ‘kinda sorta’ liked her, and asked her out on a date. Her thoughts started to spin, but she kept her head under control and tried to focus on being in the moment. “Yeah”, she breathed out. “This is…really nice.” She smiled at Hope, and then said, “Thanks for taking me out tonight.” She looked down and then looked back up and said, “I kinda sort like you too”.
Hope smiled back. Then she looked down at the table, found Kelley’s hand and grabbed it lightly. She slid her hand underneath Kelley’s and then turned it so they were palm-to-palm, and then she rubbed her thumb lightly on the top of Kelley’s hand.
********
“So, what did you think?” Hope asked as they made to leave the restaurant.
“It was wonderful”, Kelley said. “Thank you again.”
“You’re most welcome.” Hope said. They reached the front door, and Hope said, “I just texted the driver. He should be pulling up in a minute.” She looked at Kelley and then reached out her hand. Kelley paused, but then Hope smiled her brilliant smile and wiggled her fingers. Kelley smiled back and took Hope’s hand. Then the maître D opened the front door for them. They stepped outside and headed for the approaching car when seemingly from out of nowhere they were hit with a barrage of flash bulbs and chattering voices. Kelley froze and then realized that the paparazzi had just descended upon them. About fifteen reporters and photographers surrounded them and immediately opened fire.
“Hope! What’s going on here?”
“Hope! Is this your new girlfriend?”
“Hope! Isn’t this your new manager?”
“Kelley! How does it feel to be dating Hope Solo?”
“Oh my God…” Kelley breathed out, overcome by the onslaught of people. She raised her hand and shielded her eyes from the cameras. Hope stared for a moment but immediately put on her smile. She waved to the mob without saying anything.
“Hope! Hope! Kelley! Hope! Kelley!...” The barrage continued. Hope lead them towards the car. “C’mon Kelley!” she said, pulling Kelley by the hand. The driver opened the door. Hope ushered Kelley in first and then waved to the mob again and then got in and shut the door.
“Are you okay”, she asked Kelley as the car started to drive off.
“Oh my God”, Kelley said. She had seen this before but had never been on the receiving end of it.
“Yeah”, Hope said. “It’s a little jarring at first. It takes some getting used to.” She looked at Kelley, who was visibly shaken and still trying to come down, and she scooted closer to Kelley. She put one arm around Kelley and took her hand with the other. “It’s okay”, Hope said.
Kelley sat there, still stunned. A part of her was still a bit shaken by the unexpected onslaught, but a part of her was also worried about what would happen next. She knew that the photos would come up soon, and that folks at her work would see them. “Oh, man”, she said, as she tucked herself against Hope and nestled her head into Hope’s shoulder.
“It’s okay”, Hope said again. She stroked Kelley’s hair, and felt Kelley calm down. They stayed like that for a moment and then the driver said, “Where to, ladies?”
“Hope looked at Kelley. “Well? Had enough excitement for one night? Do you feel like going back to the hotel?” When Kelley didn’t say anything, Hope smiled and then said in a jesting tone, “Is it past your bedtime, junior?”
At that Kelley scrunched up her face in mock offense and stuck out her tongue at Hope. “No", she said. "Is it past your bedtime, grandma?
Hope laughed. She had succeeded in lightening Kelley’s mood and getting her to relax. “Well, if you’re up for it, there’s somewhere I’d like to take you.”
“Are we going to get bombarded?” Kelley asked.
“No” Hope said and laughed quietly. “At least I don’t think so.”
“Okay”, Kelley said and exhaled. She was coming down from the initial shock and feeling better. The experience hadn’t been really traumatic, just unexpected. Hope was right though, Kelley thought: the average person has no idea what it’s like to be in the limelight.
“Okay then, let's go”, Hope said and smiled.
********
The car dropped them off at the west end of Central Park. Hope got out of the car and Helped Kelley out, then kept her hand as they began to stroll through the park. The night lights on the path lit their way. They walked for a bit in silence and then stopped at a pond in the center of the park. They stood there, side by side for a moment, and then Hope moved behind Kelley. She wrapped her arms around Kelley and nuzzled her face into Kelley’s hair.
“Hey”, Hope said.
“Hey”, Kelley said back. She put her arms over Hope’s and gave them a light squeeze.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better now.”
“It’s kind of jarring, getting bombarded like that, huh?"
“Yeah.”
"Hopefully that doesn't happen again to you, or at least doesn't happen much."
Kelley looked at Hope and smiled. Then she looked away and around the park and then said, “I’ve never been here before. This is really nice.”
"You've never been to Central Park?"
"No", Kelley said. "Some of us don't get to go everywhere, like the rich and famous."
Hope smirked and let out a small laugh. "Whatever, ass", she said. She was silent for a moment and then said, “This is one of my favorite places to visit. I love it here.”
“Yeah, it’s beautiful. And quiet”, Kelley said. After the paparazzi attack earlier, the quiet was greatly appreciated. They were silent for a moment and then she said, “It must be really cool to visit so many great places. I mean, you’ve been everywhere."
“True” Hope said, “but I don’t always get to experience things. Sometimes the schedule is so hectic that I don’t see much more than the venue, the hotel and wherever I end up doing media events.” She paused for a moment and then said, “It’s nice to just do things like this. It makes me feel like I get to enjoy my travel like a normal person.”
“Yeah”, Kelley said. “I guess it can be kind of weird to be so many places but not really get to actually see any of them.”
“It is”, Hope said. “And I do love New York”, Hope said absently. “It’s a great city. Except for the weather, especially in the winter. I guess that’s one of the benefits of L.A. I mean, there are some things I’m not fond of there, but you can’t beat it for the weather.”
“Yeah, the weather is nice there”, Kelley agreed. “I miss the change of the seasons a bit, though”, she said. “I mean, we don’t get much snow in Georgia, but sometimes we do, and sometimes I would like to have a white Christmas.” She paused and then said, “Do you like snow? I mean, did you get snow up in Washington, where you grew up?”
“A little bit, sometimes”, Hope answered. “And I guess I don’t really miss snow too much, but if I’m feeling like I do, like if I want a white Christmas, I go up to Big Bear.” Hope paused for a moment and then said, “Have you ever been?”
“To Big Bear? No,” Kelley answered.
“I have a small cabin up there. Maybe I’ll take you sometime.”
Kelley tilted her head back and smiled. “Sounds cozy", she said, imagining cuddling with Hope on a well-cushioned couch, fleece blanket covering them, a fire cracking in the fireplace, snow falling outside. "That would be nice”, she said softly. Hope smiled back at her.
They were silent for a moment. Kelley tilted her head towards the front. Then Hope said, “I’m glad we’re work together.”
“Me too”, Kelley said.
“You know, it’s tragic what happened to Abby. But I guess if there’s any good that came out of that, it’s that I got to meet you.”
“Well, I met you anyway. At the store. In the produce section. Where all good things happen.”
“Yeah, I know. What I mean is, it gave us the opportunity to work together, and get to know one another.”
“Yeah, it did”, Kelley agreed.
Hope took a deep breath and then turned Kelley around. She looked at Kelley with intense eyes. “I’m glad you’re here”, she said.
“Me too”, Kelley said, looking back into Hope’s eyes. Hope’s arms were still around her waist. She took her hands and rubbed them against Hope’s arms. Then she looked down. “I like your arms”, she breathed into Hope’s chest.
Hope smiled and then said, “Hey”. Kelley looked up, and Hope said, “I like your freckles.”
Kelley smiled. Then she titled her head up, put her arms around Hope’s neck, and planted a big-girl kiss on Hope’s lips.